Memorandum of Guidance

This is the document to which all planning authorities are directed by Scottish Office Development Department Circular No.13/1998 in their consideration of conservation and listed building consent matters.

Aims of the Memorandum

The Memorandum aims to :

• offer readers a readily understandable and comprehensive guide to the current legislation
  
• present, in a readily understandable form, the principles and policies upon which the legislation is based
  
• offer clear guidance which will help both applicants and planning officers to determine whether they are following those principles and policies and achieving what is best for the site, and
  
• make quick and easy the location of that guidance.
  

Appendix 1

Appendix 1 to the Memorandum sets out the many elements of various building types, both inside and out, that in our experience are subject to proposals for change. This extends to questions of curtilage and setting. It suggests ways to ensure that proposed work will respect the original built fabric, and later fabric that contributes to the character of the building or place.  It aims to answer questions posed by applicants and agents wishing to obtain consent for work, and by planning authorities considering whether or not to grant consent.

The Memorandum and its Appendices serves to remind owners, agents and planning authorities of factors that should be considered and avenues that should be explored when new work affects the character of buildings and places. The advice given should indicate to owners and agents what they should bear in mind when drawing up a proposal, and offer a degree of certainty as to what is likely to be acceptable.

The first edition of the Memorandum of Guidance was produced in 1976, consolidating and therefore cancelling SDD Memoranda and circulars issued in 1967-75. Its Appendix 1, on what constituted character, comprised four pages. The 1998 version carries an appendix of 132 pages.